Abstract
In this study, the analytical performance of trimethylamine (TMA) were investigated with respect to headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) method. In order to induce the elution of aqueous TMA to headspace, NaOH was added as a decomposition reagent to aqueous TMA standard. By controlling the combination of three major variables for TMA extraction, the extent of extraction was compared between the two contrasting conditions for each variable (i.e., reaction time (long (L) vs short (S)), exposure temperature (30 vs $50^{\circ}C$), and exposure time (10 vs 30 min)). The results of this comparative analysis showed that the extraction efficiency for all eight types of HS-SPME combinations decreased on the order: L-30-30>L-50-10>L-30-10>L-50-30>S-30-30>S-50-30>S-50-10>S-30-10. The effect of reaction time appeared to exert significant influences on the relative recovery rate of HS-SPME at 90% confidence level. However, the effects of exposure temperature or exposure time were not so significant as reaction time. When the recovery rate of HS-SPME is compared against the direct injection of liquid standard into GC injector, it recorded as 2%. According to this comparative study, the reaction conditions for HS-SPME application can exert significant influences on the analysis of TMA.